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Jsinapijr - thanks for wording this posting in the nonjudgmental, neutral way that you did. There are some who do drink enough to make a package worthwhile, and there are some who would rather just pay up front for everything and not worry about added expenses during the cruise. I have bought the drink package a time or two when they offered a discount on it, and I have taken advantage of it when it has been a free perk. But I did tend to drink more than I normally would with the package, which could be a not-so-good consequence, ha. Having said that.... I do think beverage package prices are getting out of control. I would not choose my cruise line based on an included drink package, however, if more than one of my favored cruise lines are offering the itinerary I want, a plus might be the one offering a free drink package! If prices were comparable to, or even just a tad higher than what I would drink anyway, then I would definitely rather get a package; I can budget for it, pay it, and forget it.

@Shari2 Thanks for responding Shari! I think that my next cruise will just be a refreshment package so I can get specialty coffee and freshly squeezed juices! Rather go on another cruise rather than spend it all on alcohol, it will make me feel better the whole time too! ?

Donald - thanks for sharing your photos and ship experiences. I can imagine how an 8-year-old would be enchanted by the Norisle ferry. No need to be "polite" here. We would LOVE to hear about your least favorite cruise line. I promise we won't judge!? My dream is to do a transatlantic, but if I want to take my husband along, I have to adhere to his schedule which, unfortunately, doesn't allow for long cruises at the best times of the year. ? May someday ...

Hi DonaldMC! WELCOME!...it's so nice to have you on CruiseCrazies with us. I love hearing about your cruises and seeing the great pictures. I love the picture of the "Norway." We also cruised on her a few years back. I haven't been on the QM 2, but I have friends who have sailed on her many times. We would love to have you join in our forums and would love to hear all about some of your cruises. We have forums for reviews, pictures, information, and much more. We even have a forum to just chat, called "The Daily Dock." Come and join in on any of the forums...we will love to hear from you. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.

Hi Fellow Cruise Enthusiasts! I have been passionate about ships since I was very young. My first 'cruise' was on the venerable Lake Huron ferry the SS Norisle. I was 8 years old and thought I was truly on a ship. I decided that travelling on ships must be in my future. Once I started working, I planned as many holidays on ships as I could afford. I truly enjoy shipboard life and have taken a number of Transatlantic and one Transpacific crossing. The opportunity to sample various destinations is another appeal for me. I (now we) have returned for longer vacations to ports we loved and also taken places off our wish list after a cruise visit. There is no favourite ship or cruise line for me, as I love to sample all different sizes and styles. My cruise log includes QM2, QE2, Seadream Yacht Club 1, the original and elegant Royal Princess. We recently spent a wonderful 34 days circumnavigating Australia on Oceania's Regatta. There has only been one ship and line that I truly disliked, but I will be polite and not name it here. We are now retired and cruises are always figure in our travel plans. Below are few pictures of some of my most memorable ships including the old SS Norisle. It is a pleasure to be a part of Cruise Crazies. I look forward to hearing your stories and seeing your photos. Donald